FORMER students at Durban University of Technology (DUT) are doing their bit to assist current students to deal with major academic and other life challenges.

DUT Alumni has embarked on a major two-pronged project. The first part is a bursary fund. The second part involves a scheme through which students who cannot afford daily meals will be fed. DUT Alumni members have contributed seed money for the project, but are staging a benefit dinner to raise more funds.
The Convocation Homecoming Fundraising Gala Dinner will be held at DUT on September 6, hosted by vice-chancellor Professor Ahmed Bawa and DUT Alumni president Wiseman Madinane.

The theme for the dinner is “building a caring and giving society”. Madinane said the fundraising activity was borne out of a commitment to not only plough back, but to inculcate a culture of philanthropy among graduates. “Proceeds from the event will go to DDT’s Individual Giving Fund, an initiative of DUT and the alumni.” The alumni bursary fund would be used to augment the funds allocated to the DUT by the National Student Finance Aid Scheme.

Madinane said the “One Meal, Once a Day” project would be a feeding scheme for needy students across DUT campuses. DUT Alumni refers to all recipients of diplomas and degrees from DUT and its legacy institutions, such as Technikon Natal, ML Sultan Technikon, Indumiso College of Education and the Durban Institute of Technology. The homecoming gala dinner will be held at DDT’s Fred Crookes Sports Centre.

Alumni members and members of the public will be asked for a contribution of R350 a person or R550 a couple. Corporate tables are available at R3 000.

Contributions can also be sent to:
Standard Bank Durban
Branch: 040026
Account number: 050007068
Account type: Current account
Reference: Homecoming (and your name)

Bookings close on August 14, and proof of payment can be sent to nishieg@dut.ac.za.

For more information, call David Sedumedi at 031 373 3020